LA Kings play with PURPOSE but fail to FINISH—Playoff hopes on the line after loss to Montreal

Locked On Kings - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Kings · Mar 8, 2026 · 31m

LA Kings’ playoff dreams hang in the balance as DJ Smith’s revamped squad battles lingering issues. Missed opportunities and special teams’ woes cost Los Angeles in a narrow 4-3 loss to the Montreal Canadiens—can renewed energy and a shot-heavy attack translate into wins when it counts most? Eddie Garcia explores the team’s shift in mentality, the impact of Scott Laughton’s debut, and Anze Kopitar closing in on franchise history. Breakdown includes Darcy Kuemper’s performance in net, Quinton Byfield’s return, and Brandt Clarke’s high-usage night. Eddie Garcia addresses controversial…